Katarina Rodriguez of “Asia’s Next Top Model” fame is  juggling Philosophy and Business Management degrees at De La Salle University along with  training for the varsity track and field team.

 

“I graduated from tomboy to girly to fashionista,” she said as we surveyed her room. From bright neon hues of trainers neatly lined up to two huge bags of newly acquired Charles & Keith shoes sitting next to her bed (“I got them all at 50-percent off,” she winks), it was easy to see her personal blend  of athletic dash and casual chic.

 

Rodriguez cited British model Cara Delevigne as one of her sartorial influences, hence  her frequent attempts to add comfort to her wardrobe choices. “If there’s one thing my lola taught me, it’s  never to  buy anything that doesn’t fit you well. Forget the line of thinking about buying one size smaller to lose weight. If it doesn’t fit you perfectly, toss it out.”

 

Another sage piece of advice from the grandmother? Vintage.

 

“I have a piece of clothing that’s been around for 50 years,” Katarina said of an intricately embellished knitted baby blue number.

 

With an aesthetic that revolves around classics and a confessed pursuit to make two clashing themes work (think classy and sexy, athletic and chic, fashionable and utilitarian), Rodriguez  stocks her closet with staples and conversation pieces.

 

“If there’s one thing I’m obsessed with, it’s lip gloss.” Aside from her lippie obsession, Rodriguez said she plans of someday creating her own line of skincare.

 

Until then, it’s a merry mix for this busy lady as she rushes from one commitment to the next whether it’s a track meet, a modeling gig or class—in a pair of fashionable trainers, of course.